Kaunakakai

Kaunakakai, Molokai

In the central town of Kaunakakai, an absence of traffic lights take you back to a simpler time, virtually unchanged since the early 1900s. This charming paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) town is also the island’s main harbor, where some locals still fish for their dinner. Stroll down to Kaunakakai Harbor to the end of the state's longest pier, extending well past the reef. It's just you, the local fisherman and the sound of boats slowly jetting out of the harbor.

The town's main strip, Ala Malama Avenue, was named after the nearby house used by King Kamehameha V in the 1860s. You'll find it easy to browse the shops and boutiques of its business district. Brave the crowds at the famous Kanemitsu's Bakery, where locals and visitors alike line up after hours to get piping-hot loaves of fresh bread. Be sure to order their famous onion-and-cheese bread or slather a half loaf with jelly, butter, cream cheese or cinnamon. It’s a Molokai must.

Stay the night at the Hotel Molokai, a Kaunakakai landmark located on Kamiloloa Beach, or find a condominium or cottage rental. Then visit the Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove to see palm trees in one of the last royal coconut groves. Across the way you’ll discover “Church Row,” the site of seven small, missionary-style churches, some dating back to the late 19th century. Other local Kaunakakai eateries and shops include Friendly Market, Mrs. K’s Lunch Counter, Imamura’s Store, Outpost Natural Foods, Pascua’s General Store, Kalele Bookstore and the Molokai Pizza Café. And don’t forget the Saturday outdoor market, perfect for a Molokai day trip.

We recognize the proper use of the Hawaiian language including the ‘okina [‘], a consonant, and the kahakō [ō] or macron (e.g., in place names of Hawai‘i such as Lāna‘i).However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform.